Teacher Of The Visually Impaired - (Non-Classified)

Department Information

https://csdb.colorado.gov/

Vision Statement: CSDB aspires to be an exemplary global resource for families and professionals that excels in preparing diverse learners to transform the world with PRIDE: Positive attitude, Respect, Independence, Determination, and Excellence.

Mission Statement: The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB), in collaboration with families, school districts and community partners, ... educates and inspires learners throughout the state, birth through age 21, to achieve their full human potential through comprehensive, individualized academic, transition, residential and outreach programs and resources

Description of Job

CSDB is accepting applications for TVI vacancies for the 2023-2024 school year.

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis for vacancies in all instructional areas, including but not limited to all core content areas:

Elementary Education; English/Language Arts; Science; Mathematics; Social Studies

BROAD SCOPE OF POSITION:

This position reports to the Principal, School for the Blind, and is responsible for providing standards-based instruction and support to K-12th grade learners who are visually impaired and who may have additional needs. Utilizes Colorado Academic Standards and benchmarks in establishing instructional goals; and provides assessments that monitor learner progress, in a safe and civil school environment.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs work associated with standards-based instruction: prepares lesson plans, adapts instructional materials, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Principal, maintains a positive learning environment utilizing appropriate positive behavior support strategies, keeps learners on task and engaged.

• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the development and use of accommodations for learners who are visually impaired, and further, in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, daily living skills, behavior management, organization / planning, curriculum development, current technology practices relative to learners who have vision loss, parent relations and teamwork.

• Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities.

• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of project and technology-based learning.

• Organizes the instructional environment for collaborative group work.

• Works in co-teaching teams with others.

• Works as part of an education / assessment team responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating individual objectives for assigned learners.

• Understands and supports learners' social-emotional development.

• Serves as an Advocate for assigned learners.

• Coordinates effectively with other service staff in facilitating instruction, supporting school reform efforts, strategic planning, and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.

• Positively serves as a team member in the School for the Blind, and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.

• Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities, etc.

• Seeks opportunities for and participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.

• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education or closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university; specialization in Education for the Visually Impaired preferred

• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado

• Must hold, be eligible for, or able to obtain within three (3) years from hire, appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado endorsed as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or comparable endorsement

• Subject area endorsement or specialization

• Experience teaching / working with children (in an educational environment) with visual impairments and/or multiple disabilities desired

• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with learners who are visually impaired to a variety of settings.

• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for learners with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities.

• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, learning management systems, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills, learning environment management and lesson preparation to a technology rich environment, which may include but is not limited to on-site classroom, telepresence, and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities.

• Knowledge of and ability to effectively implement current technologies utilized by learners who are blind/visually impaired.

• Ability to establish high standards for what learners must know and be able to do.

• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency.

• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.

• Strong, positive interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (0+) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy / procedures.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June).

• The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule, based upon appropriate education and experience. Excellent benefits.

• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Selected applicants must verify experience / highest degree held.

• Direct deposit of paycheck is required.

• CSDB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety.

• Selected applicant must comply with the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.

• As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States.

• Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a background check, to include Colorado and Federal criminal history checks, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.

• Effective September 20, 2021, employees are required to attest to and verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination.

• Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the Covid-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado's Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

Supplemental Information

CSDB is accepting applications for TVI vacancies for the 2023-2024 school year.

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis for vacancies in all instructional areas, including but not limited to all core content areas:

Elementary Education; English/Language Arts; Science; Mathematics; Social Studies

How To Apply:

In addition to the submission of a complete on-line application (to include references), please upload the items listed below to your on-line application:

Formal Letter of Interest

Current Resume

Recent Letters of Recommendation, with signature

Copies of All Transcripts

Copy of Educator Certification

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support:

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

Important Information:

Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Applications may also be used as a part of the comparative analysis process to rank candidates and identify a top group for interview. Read this job announcement carefully before completing the on-line application. Applications must specifically address/support applicant qualifications as they relate to the requirements listed in 'Description of Job' and 'Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions and Conditions of Employment/Additional Requirements' sections. Failure to complete the application properly and include required information and/or documents, or if applications do not demonstrate that experience and/or education are consistent with the categories listed on this announcement, may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Also, in order to be considered for this position, complete applications must be received by the application deadline/closing date. Applicants will be notified of the results of this review.

Please refer to the CO-Jobs State Employment Opportunities website (careers.colorado.gov) for the following information:

• State Employment FAQs

• Address Confidentiality Program

• ADA Accommodations

• Residency Requirements

Compensation / Benefits:

The State of Colorado and CSDB demonstrate commitment to our employees with a competitive benefits package. The average annual teacher base salary at CSDB is $60,175. Although individual benefits will vary, in general, for every $100 that employees earn, the state contributes approximately $25 in additional compensation. For example, the State contributes to employee health/dental/vision care coverage, life insurance coverage, short-term disability insurance coverage, retirement, and personal leave. For more information about insurance benefits, visit the State of Colorado website: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Traci K. Monger / Human Resources Manager, at email: tmonger@csdb.org or call (719) 578-2114.